Roof Vent and Solar Water Heater

ABSTRACT

The field of invention relates generally to roof systems and particularly to sloped roofs, which can incorporate a ridge vent to exhaust hot attic gases. More particularly, the invention serves not only as an improved roof venting system but also acts as a solar water heater. The invention uses a novel method of utilizing hot escaping gasses from the attic space to heat water from below in its integrated solar collector as well as utilizing a system of baffles to exclude precipitation while also incorporating a clear panel to heat water from the sun&#39;s rays while venting hot gases from the attic space below.

BACKGROUND

The simplicity of design, ease of fabrication and low production costsmake this invention a much improved invention as it relates to theconcept of mounting a solar water heating device on the roof of abuilding and trapping and converting solar rays into heat energy andalso utilizing waste hot air vented from an attic as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,418,685 “Roof Mounted Solar Collector Device”, issued Dec. 6,1983, inventor Wallace N. Frazier. However, the Frazier device is a verycomplicated, involved device which is not designed to be linked orfastened together readily so as to provide necessary volume andcross-section to have enough fluid exposed to the effects of hot gasesor the sun's rays. Additionally, Frazier's device uses a series of veryinvolved piping and the inclusion of a very complicated heat exchangerdevice. The device will exhaust hot attic gases but it will not precludewind driven precipitation and makes no provision to exclude insects orvermin. The invention is an improved invention over U.S. Pat. No.4,418,685 because its design is not only unique, it is uncomplicated,has no manifold or heat exchanger, it is lightweight, easily fabricated,easily installed and can readily be linked together to enhance itseffectiveness.

Additionally, the design of the Frazier device makes it very vulnerableto uplift and failure from high winds because of the lateral vents whichare open. Further, the Frazier device makes no mention of its ability tobe used to heat potable water, but to be used singularly as a “spaceheater” device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention integrates a means of heating water using hot gases andsolar energy while effectively exhausting hot gases and becoming anintegral and useful functioning part of the roof envelope and completeroof system. This invention vents hot gases from the attic space belowwhile acting as a heat collector to heat water and which also capturesradiant energy from the sun which additionally heats the water whilemitigating the threat of damage to the roof system in the form ofpenetrations for attachments for conventional solar panels andcollectors. The invention is a combination of a more efficient atticroof vent and a vastly improved aerodynamically engineered solar heatcollector. The invention, because of its unique design, is anexceptionally efficient means of directly heating potable water withoutthe necessity of a heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end view of the solar collector and water heater devicemounted on the ridge of a double sloping roof.

FIG. 2 is a top view and end view.

FIG. 3 is an end section of the device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the end view of the device.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the device along the longitudinalplane showing the relation of the closure piece(s).

FIG. 6 is a reverse perspective along the longitudinal plane.

FIG. 7 is an end view showing the crossover pipe.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the device fabricated in two pieces with afolded top closure waterproofing flange.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged detail figure showing the topclosure/waterproofing flange.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a configuration which uses a pipe/tubingsolar collector.

FIG. 10 is an end view without the end cap, solar collector or clearpanel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent likeelements throughout. Referring now to FIG. 1, a roof ridge vent andsolar water heating system (15) is shown. FIG. 1 shows a UV stabilizedplastic tank, however, a variety of piping or tubing such as CPVC ortubing, i.e. PEX can be utilized as acceptable heat collectors. Copperpipe with thermal fins may also be used. The roof vent and solar waterheater (15) is shown installed on a sloped roof (12) having typicalconstruction and utilizing a ridge vent. The roof deck (14) is securedto a plurality of trusses (12) to form a pitched roof assembly (17). Aroof covering, usually shingles or metal, is installed (18) to preventprecipitation from entering the structure below. The angle of thetrusses (slope) creates a triangular void below (attic space). An openslot (13) is provided to allow hot gases to escape. The inventionutilizes these gases to heat water stored in its integrated solarcollector (1). The solar collector (1) is fashioned in such a way as toform a serpentine pattern so as to slow the flow of water and expand thefluid cross-section thus maximizing the fluid's exposure to the sun'srays and contact with hot gases escaping from the attic space. Potablewater enters the solar collector (1) through the water inlet/outlet (2)and circulates through the solar collector (1) where it picks up heatdirectly from the sun's rays as well as heat energy from hot attic airvented through its series of vents and crosses over through the fluidcrossover pipe (19) FIG. 7, to the other side of the unit and allows itto travel in the opposite direction where it is piped back into theattic space into the primary water heating system. This process can beenhanced by connecting a series of units by connecting the waterinlet/outlet (#2) one to another in a number of ways, i.e. by the use ofa quick connect “push-on” connector such as a brass or polysulfoneconnector or high temperature and pressure hose and clamps, such as wormgear clamps. PEX tubing with crimp-on clamps may also be used. The waterenters the inlet/outlet (2) and travels in one direction, i.e. east towest, travels through the invention(s), crosses through the fluidcrossover pipe (19) and travels in the opposite direction, i.e. west toeast on the opposite side of the invention to the roof opening where itentered the inlet/outlet (2). The preferred embodiment consists of aseries of thermal transmission vents (3) which transmit heated exhaustgases from the attic space to the water in the solar collector (1) andthen is exhausted through the angled exhaust/insect screen (4). Thelocation of the exhaust vent/insect screen (4) as it relates to thethermal transmission vents allows hot gases to escape but precludes winddriven precipitation from entering the thermal gas transmission vents(3). The unique design is also constructed so as to drain precipitationentering the exhaust vent/insect screen (4) through the drain area (7).The solar collector (1) is positioned in an area of the preferredembodiment which allows the solar collector (1) to be heated by hotescaping gases from the attic space. This area also incorporates atransparent cover (8) which allows sunlight to enter this chamber andheat the water stored in the solar collector (1). The area below thesolar collector (1) has a reflective coating (9) to additionally enhancethe effects of the sun's rays. The area of the embodiment at the top ofthe invention which forms an inverted vee is a bendable, flexible area(10) which allows the invention to be installed on a number of slopedroofs with different pitches. An area with a plurality of holes (6) isshown which is positioned directly above and in contact with the roofcovering allowing the invention to be easily installed, repaired orremoved and replaced in the event of the installation of a new roofmembrane. The invention can be recycled and either reinstalled orrelocated, removed for repairs or easily modified to facilitatedifferent applications, renovations or different configurations.Additionally, the invention can be installed directly over an existingconventional roof ridge vent eliminating the necessity of removing theexisting roof vent, the added labor expense and the possibility ofdamage to the roof envelope. Additionally, FIG. 1 shows the solarcollector (1) inlet/outlet (2) extended through the roof deck (14) withpiping (22) to be connected to the primary water heating system. FIG. 2is a perspective which shows more clearly the locations of the thermaltransmission vents (3) as they relate to the solar collector (1) and thelocation below the clear panel (8). The clear panel, which can be avariety of materials such as lightweight UV stabilized polycarbonate ortempered or solar glass which allows sunlight to directly heat the waterstored in the solar collector (1). FIG. 3 is a section through viewwhich shows the proximity of the solar collector (1) to the thermaltransmission vents (3), the precipitation baffle (5) and the hot gasexhaust vent/insect screen (4), the drain (7) and attachment area (6).FIG. 4 is an end view which also shows the proximity of the solarcollector (1) as they relate to the thermal transmission vents (3) andthe clear panels (8). The solar collectors (1) are located directlyabove the reflective area (9) so as to maximize the effects of the sun'srays. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view which shows the relationship ofthe solar collector (1) and clear panel areas (8) to the main body ofthe invention. The location of the hot gas exhaust vent/insect screen(4) is shown as it relates to the precipitation baffle (5). Theattachment area (6) with its plurality of holes is shown along with thehot gas exhaust/insect screen (4) and the proximity to the precipitationdrain (7). The waterproof connection closure piece (16) is shown. Theconnection closure piece (16) is incorporated when two or moreinventions (15) are coupled together. The connection closure piece isinstalled in the same manner as the main body of the invention (15) andis installed, simply by fitting the closure piece (16) over twoinstalled devices (15) and installing fasteners (11) through theplurality of holes in the attachment area (6). FIG. 6 is a perspectiveside end view which shows the hot gas exhaust vent (4) as it relates tothe precipitation baffle (5). The interior thermal transmission vents(3) are shown. FIG. 7 is a top view perspective which shows the mainbody of the invention (15) and the bendable active/live hinge (10), aswell as the solar collector (1), clear panels (8), precipitation baffle(5), attachment (fastener) area (6) and hot gas exhaust vent/insectscreen (4). FIG. 7 shows the fluid (water crossover pipe) (19) whichchanges the direction of the fluid (water) from one side of theinvention to the other side of the invention so that the water can gainmore heat from the sun's rays and can be further heated by the escapinghot gases from the attic space as well as return to the position whereit entered the invention and can be piped easily and conveniently intothe primary water heating device (water heater). The shown embodimentconsists of hard pipe such as CPVC, but can be plumbed with flexible PEXpiping or approved tubing. FIG. 8 shows an iteration of the inventionwhereby the installation of the invention consists of combining twounits consisting in effect of exactly one-half of the preferredembodiment joined together by the use of an attachment/installationflange (21) which incorporates a plurality of holes through which a nutand bolt or other means of attachment, can join the invention togetherto form the completed solar collector (15). This mounting flange (21)configuration will, in most cases, facilitate installations of moreabrupt roof slopes, lower shipping costs, ease fabrication and lowercosts for packaging. The mounting flange can also be constructed withoutholes and can simply be crimped over the opposite side invention'sflange. FIG. 8A shows an expanded view (23) of the flange (21) whichruns longitudinally along the topmost edge of the invention. This flangeserves as an area to join both pieces of the invention together so thatthe invention can facilitate installation of more obtuse roof slopes,i.e. (3-12) or more acute roof slopes, i.e. (7-12). It also serves as awaterproof seal to preclude precipitation. FIG. 9 shows the solarcollector in a more detailed configuration which incorporates pipe suchas copper or PEX pipe or other accepted pipe/tubing foimed into aserpentine configuration. FIG. 9 also shows the waterproof end closurecover (20). The end closure cover (20) is installed at each end of theinvention (15) to cover and waterproof the open ends of the invention soas to make the end conditions water/weatherproof and preclude vermin andinsects from entering the invention and the roof open area (13). FIG. 10is a schematic view of the main body of the invention (15) which showsthe unique form of the invention which allows hot gases to escape andwhich prevents precipitation and insects from entering the attic area.

FIG. 10 shows the use of flexible tubing, i.e. PEX, which is formed intoa continuous loop to achieve the maximum cross-section for exposure andvolume.

1. The effect of the hot escaping gases from the attic space belowcombined with the effects of the exposure from radiant solar energy fromabove, heats the water in the invention's integratedtank(s)/pipe(s)/tubing to a temperature more closely to that of “usable”hot water and in some cases higher. By virtue of this effect, waterentering existing conventional water heating systems is hotter thusreducing the need for fossil fuel consumption, the effect of which is torelease less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
 2. The invention is anexceptionally low technologically uncomplicated device which is easy toinstall and very cost effective. In some cases, this invention willsupplant the primary water heating system for long periods of time andin most cases will raise the temperature of water entering the primarywater heating system, thus lowering the demand for fossil fuels andlowering the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. 3.This invention, because of its extremely simple technological level, canbe installed using conventional, accepted roofing methods and materials.These methods and materials are universally known to the existingworkforce, alleviating the need for newly trained personnel, expensivetools or exotic installation materials. The simplicity of design, theease of fabrication, the lack of the necessity for exotic materials andequipment, lends itself to universal acceptance and potentiallywidespread application, thus reducing the demand for fossil fuels andlowering the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. 4.By virtue of this invention's design, shape and enhanced vent size, thisinvention will increase the effective cross-section of conventional roofvents in the range of 200% to 300% by enabling the removed roofsheathing to be 2 to 3 times greater than conventional ridge vents, thusallowing 2 to 3 times more hot gases to escape from the attic spacebelow, thus lowering the ambient temperature of the attic space andlowering the energy required for air-conditioning, thus reducing thedemand for fossil fuels and lowering the amount of carbon dioxidereleased into the atmosphere.
 5. This invention can be readily installedusing accepted building procedures. This invention can be fabricatedeasily and economically from readily available materials, i.e.,aluminum, copper, stainless steel, galvanized sheet metal or a number ofplastics and resins which will render it extremely economical and willsupport universal acceptance. In its completed form, this invention isextremely durable and lightweight thus being easily transported andlifted into place requiring no heavy equipment or machinery thusreducing the demand for fossil fuels and lowering the amount of carbondioxide released into the atmosphere.
 6. The low cost and ease ofmanufacturing of this invention, the low level of technology requiredfor installation, the fact that there are no moving parts, the use oftechniques and materials which are widely in use, in addition to theaesthetically pleasing final appearance and very low maintenance,results in a unique and cost effective product.
 7. This invention canreadily be installed in new roof systems, re-roof systems of existingstructures, and retro-fit to existing systems by simply installing thisinvention over existing asphalt shingles or metal roof systems. Thisinvention can be readily adapted to supply heated water in the samemanner incorporated in conventional solar panels and solar collectorsused to heat water and can be utilized in conjunction with gas,electric, tank, tankless or any primary water heaters already inservice.
 8. The incorporation of a live active hinge affords the abilityof this invention to conform to a multitude of configurations so thatthe invention can be readily and easily installed to facilitate multipleand numerous roof slopes. The invention can also be fabricated in twopieces and joined together with nuts and bolts or other acceptablefasteners so that it might facilitate the invention's application onmore radical roof slopes. The invention can be fabricated in two piecesincorporating a waterproof flange along the top most edge as shown inFIG. 8A. This will contribute to its universal acceptance andapplication.
 9. The design of this invention affords greater efficiencyin exhausting hot gases from attic spaces. This is accomplished byexpanding the cross-section of the roof wood sheathing removed. Theexhaust vent can be many times larger than conventional roof ridge ventsbecause the invention extends farther away from the ridge and has ahigher profile and still affords enhanced protection from blowing rainand precipitation. This enhanced efficiency lowers the ambienttemperature in the attic space lowering the energy needed toair-condition a structure.
 10. This invention can easily and readily beinstalled to facilitate multiple and diverse applications. It can beinstalled to facilitate east and west installations as well as north andsouth installations. This invention, in some configurations, can beinstalled in a virtually limitless configuration by simply adding moreunits which are easily and readily joined together. This invention isreadily installed using universal and accepted methods used to plumbconventional solar panels and collectors for use with primary waterheaters which are currently being employed to heat water.
 11. Thisinvention has no moving parts, i.e., fans or movable or adjustablevents. This invention is also unique by virtue of the fact that itbecomes and is a useful part of the roof envelope and protection of thebuilding structure. It can be installed by personnel who are trained inaccepted and universal roof methods and means. Its low technologicalaspects and ease of fabrication are also completely unique.
 12. Theaddition of a clear panel enhances the effects of solar radiation bydirectly exposing its tank(s)/pipe(s)/tubing to solar radiation. Theunique serpentine design of the tank(s)/pipe(s)/tubing slows the waterentering the invention and enhances the cross-section so that it cangain an exceptional amount of heat from above and below before it entersthe primary hot water system, without the use of pumps or elaborate heatexchangers.
 13. Additionally, in almost all cases, this invention can berecycled and reused for many years and can become a useful part of asecond or even third roof system in re-roof applications for the samestructure.
 14. The invention can be fabricated in lightweight, easilyhandled sizes. They can be joined together in an unlimited numberconnected with push on connectors readily available or glued togetherwith compatible connectors and approved glue. The unique, staggered,integrated venting system of this invention allows hot gasses to escapewhile prohibiting wind driven precipitation and insects to enter. 15.This invention is an exceptionally efficient, low cost, maintenance-freedevice which is exponentially preferable over conventional solar watercollectors which are costly, unsightly and expensive to maintain,aesthetically displeasing, damaging to roof envelopes and are extremelysusceptible to damage from high winds.
 16. This invention is engineeredto present an extremely low cross section to the wind. Additionally,because of the plurality of attachment areas and the latitude of choicefor fasteners, this invention can withstand winds in excess of hurricaneforce with a very low possibility of failure unlike conventional solarpanel water collectors which, when blown off roofs, cause excessive andunnecessary damage to the roof envelope and water intrusion into theopenings causing damage and destruction to the structure below.
 17. Theinvention is an improved invention over U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,685 in asmuch as its design is uncomplicated, it has no couplings or manifolds,it is easily installed and can be linked together in a series simply byincorporating push-on connectors such as “snake bites” or polysolphoneconnectors which are readily available, off-the-shelf items. Thesimplicity of design and ease of fabrication make for a much improvedinvention as it relates to the concept of mounting a solar collectordevice on the roof of a building and trapping and converting solar raysinto heat energy and also utilizing waste hot air in the attic asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,685 Roof-mounted Solar Collectordevice, issued Dec. 6, 1983 inventor Wallace N. Frazier. However, theFrazier device will not conform to multiple or differing roof slopes,does not afford the necessary cross-section to properly vent an atticspace by virtue of the fact that it is extremely difficult to installenough units to achieve the necessary cross-section that a passivedevice requires. Additionally, the device is complicated and its designdoes not restrict the entry of insects and rodents.